A police officer has died in the line of duty while “trying to save the lives of others”, Kent Police has said.
PC Bradley Corke, 27, died on Saturday after being critically injured in a crash while responding to an urgent incident on Thursday, the force said.
He and a colleague, who is fighting for his life in hospital in a critical condition, were responding to a call when their police car was involved in a collision. A member of the public who was in a second vehicle continues to be treated for serious injuries.
In a statement, Kent Police said: “Bradley selflessly gave up his life while trying to save the lives of others who were in danger. His bravery, dedication, and passion for helping others will not be forgotten.”
The force said it is “supporting his family and colleagues, who are devastated”.
The officers were driving a marked Ford Focus police car when it was caught in a collision with a VW Scirocco on the westbound A20 in Farningham, near the junction with Button Street, at around 7.45pm on Thursday.
The officers had been travelling to an emergency incident in nearby Swanley, the Kent Police Federation said.
Chairman Neil Mennie added: “We are all absolutely heartbroken to learn of this news.
“Bradley was a popular colleague who will be much missed and we will be doing all we can to support his family and close colleagues at this time.
“Policing is a family and words cannot describe the pain we are all feeling, and how this news will affect us in the days, weeks and months ahead.
“This sad incident serves as a horrific example of the risks police officers face and how police officers can sadly make the ultimate sacrifice as they strive to keep the public safe.”
PC Corke, who joined the force in May 2022, was based in Tonbridge and spent his police career serving the towns of West Kent.
Detectives are appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting EW/AL/025/26.
‘I’m 50 and have been applying for jobs every day for two years’
Volodymyr Zelensky tells of ‘very bad feeling’ about Iran war impact on Ukraine
Officer dies and another critical after collision responding to ‘immediate call’
Saturday Night Live UK ‘could have been a lot worse’, critics say
‘I was back at work the next day – paternity leave is a nightmare for dads like me’
